tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post8048120942595805888..comments2024-01-17T04:33:08.243-08:00Comments on My Friend Amy: The Sunday Salon: It Isn't What You Read--It's How You ReadAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02515314638093018928noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-62658948171547567232009-11-24T21:40:53.378-08:002009-11-24T21:40:53.378-08:00Jessica,
I do think you should keep a blog! And ...Jessica,<br /><br />I do think you should keep a blog! And I don't think you're a snob and I think your post sparked some good discussion. I personally feel that there's a subjective nature to the value placed on books and that book choices are personal. As I've said in the comments here, I understand encouraging people to read outside of their comfort zones, I've even done it in the past with children's books.<br /><br />justicejenniferreads--<br /><br />funny enough I went through an intense literary snob period when I was in high school and would only read the classics. Life is weird..but I agree we are all on different reading journeys.<br /><br />Jen<br />I've heard a lot of people say that :( I'm glad you still read, though!<br /><br />Toni<br />I'm not opposed to reading classics or required reading. I'm thankful for the required reading I had! But I've read plenty of other books that weren't "classics" that have been deeply meaningful to me.<br /><br />justareadingfool--<br />Thanks! I've really enjoyed thinking about all of this too. :) and you know what? I don't like Twilight but I get irritable when I constantly hear it being written off. It's so strange. :)<br /><br />Rebecca--<br />I think that what is substantial is different to different people..which is why I think it's more about how you read than what you read.<br /><br />Jen<br />Beautifully said. Thanks for being so articulate!<br /><br />Jenny Girl--<br />why yes it is! :)Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02515314638093018928noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-6814225980344616112009-11-24T12:59:54.102-08:002009-11-24T12:59:54.102-08:00This is such a sweet and heartfelt post! It is so...This is such a sweet and heartfelt post! It is so true. Reading is what you put into it and should be something you enjoy, not something that is boring or bad.<br />Reading is growth and enjoyment :)Jenny Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04077659644092707107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-34309332283743623922009-11-24T12:31:58.466-08:002009-11-24T12:31:58.466-08:00Amy this is a stunning post. I absolutely love it....Amy this is a stunning post. I absolutely love it. I can't say that I agree that people should be reading "more difficult" books if they can. I know (because I did it) that I'm fully capable of reading ULYSSES. I would deem that a more difficult book than say THE COLD DISH. However, I don't feel that ULYSSES is a better book because it is more difficult. I actually would rate THE COLD DISH a better book because it does more for me as a person and a reader. I grew more as a reader. <br /><br />Society's measures of "difficulty" are often assigned to create an elitist group...those who can versus those who cannot. I see reading as a way to grow, and however you accomplish that, in whatever genre or format or environment...just read!<br /><br />And more than anything, don't pass judgement. Because you like something or don't like it, don't force that on others.Jen Forbushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13325129568512353951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-27312553460210898532009-11-24T12:20:43.972-08:002009-11-24T12:20:43.972-08:00Okay, I swear I'll stop commenting after this....Okay, I swear I'll stop commenting after this.<br /><br />But it just came to me that what I really make of this whole debate is that my philosophy is that people should read to their fullest potential.<br /><br />If literacy is a challenge and you need to read something that is less complex, then by all means, do so. Read it. And then read some more. And keep on reading because that's how you build the muscles and improve your skills.<br /><br />But if you have all of the skills to read difficult, substantial, better books, it's a shame and a waste not to. And that's what makes me sad---seeing people who could read such great books stop with the easy reads because they're easyRebecca @ The Book Lady's Bloghttp://thebookladysblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-20409307470335153502009-11-24T11:54:44.703-08:002009-11-24T11:54:44.703-08:00Am a few days late to respond but just made it bac...Am a few days late to respond but just made it back. I appreciate you response to my comment and think I need to clarify a bit.<br /><br />When literacy is a challenge, any reading is certainly better than no reading. And in those cases, I am all for people reading whatever they need to read in order to find something to connect with and that makes them excited about reading. Because that will make them better readers...and eventually, they'll be able to read better books.<br /><br />An adult who is reading a less complex book because reading is a challenge for him or her is in an entirely different situation (at least to me) than an adult who is perfectly capable of reading something more complex but never does.<br /><br />Literacy is a gift that we should exercise as well and fully as we can, and that means growing into more difficult and substantial books as our ability to read and comprehend grows. <br /><br />And as Florinda said, balance is important. Some light reading is all fine and good, but I don't think it should be everything.Rebecca @ The Book Lady's Bloghttp://thebookladysblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-45050990441649482712009-11-24T11:45:57.291-08:002009-11-24T11:45:57.291-08:00I couldn't agree more. I think reading is beco...I couldn't agree more. I think reading is becoming a lost art and I think anything that makes people read is a good thing and we shouldn't judge people on their taste. I like to challenge myself with award winning books but I don't always find that I like them. I do find that having discussions with people who also love books is some of the most fun a gal can have! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this!Amusedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12657337249497691366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-56729061376973688402009-11-24T07:24:29.371-08:002009-11-24T07:24:29.371-08:00As always, you bring a lot of thought to your subj...As always, you bring a lot of thought to your subject, as is evidenced by the number of responses here. I'm not sure what I think about it. I can see both sides: yes, classics are underrated, but sometimes pulp fiction like Harry Potter and maybe even (gasp, I can't believe I'm saying this) the Twilight books are underrated too. Either way, thanks for making me think about this morning as I catch up on my blog reading.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-7192229751908674892009-11-23T21:59:54.698-08:002009-11-23T21:59:54.698-08:00I love this conversation. I am way out of the loo...I love this conversation. I am way out of the loop to leave a super informed comment. I love classics, when the appeal to me. Sometimes in college I got help from a great professor and the veil was lifted and I got this really cool insight to the brilliance. Sometimes not. As an adult I have respect for a classic, but if I can't get through it...then I quit. I read about it and see what the hoolah was..and then just decided if I can see that or not. If I can't it is not for me. I can't always unlock the mastery of a classic. Even thought I might try and try, I may just not get it. I didn't get some of the classics in high school and some even closed my mind at the time. However I do think that it is great to be exposed to the classics so that we can open ourselves up to literary conversation...if that is what we desire. My daughter loves to read but has zero interest in reading classics at this time. And even if she NEVER does I think her reading experience will be to her what it is for the next. I have rambled. Love the conversation that this topic brings up.Tonihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09583701020058927481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-32105890236074110342009-11-23T21:50:26.962-08:002009-11-23T21:50:26.962-08:00I totally agree with you on this Amy! I think the...I totally agree with you on this Amy! I think the "classics" are what almost ruined my love of reading in high school. People (especially children) should be encouraged to read whatever appeals to them. To me, a great book is a book that makes me forget all about my own life for a little while because I'm so lost in the story and characters. A great book makes me think or want to learn, but I don't think it should be a struggle.Jenhttp://dailymishmash.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-63504526810960542672009-11-23T19:36:27.177-08:002009-11-23T19:36:27.177-08:00I TOTALLY agree with you. And I think broad sale j...I TOTALLY agree with you. And I think broad sale judging of books to be better quality because they're classics or they won an award is silly. That's all I will say. ;)Evahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06703372903532502944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-41586198687255179162009-11-23T18:23:53.993-08:002009-11-23T18:23:53.993-08:00Sounds like you hit on a pretty divisive topic. I...Sounds like you hit on a pretty divisive topic. I for one, am on your side. I agree with what you said. For me, reading is a very personal experience, and I hate when people tell me what I "should be reading." For one, i have not read many of what people call "the classics." When people discover this little fact about me, they make assumptions about my education or my reading habbits and I absolutely hate that more than anything else in the world. I read whatever sparks my interests. For various reasons, the classics didn't seem to be around much when I was younger so I didn't cling on to them like many others do. This doesn't mean I won't ever get around to discovering the magic that other people see in them, it just means my literary journey has taken me a little longer to get there. Still, I feel like everyone reads at their own pace, they discover different books a different times and relate to those books in different ways. But I agree with you, the true gift of reading is giving your all to every book you read regardless of what other people think about it. Great post, and your ideas really hit it on the neail for me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-90184169172228332392009-11-23T11:19:26.745-08:002009-11-23T11:19:26.745-08:00Well said.
You summarized my argument beautifully...Well said.<br /><br />You summarized my argument beautifully. I also agree that the reason I, for one, defend reading classics is that I feel people haven't tried hard enough to love them. (Or, perhaps, have met all the wrong ones).<br /><br />If I had one wish, it would be that I never wrote the post that started all this. Despite my personal reading record, the general trend of my posts and reviews, and my statements that I read a broad variety of stuff and would never look down on anyone for what they read, I've still managed to come off as a big snob. Clearly I did it to myself. The backlash has completely undermined my intended message and made me question whether to keep a blog at all.<br /><br />Thank you for reminding me that not all readers are looking for the same thing.Jessicahttp://botheyes.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-52107856360550312492009-11-23T10:44:23.027-08:002009-11-23T10:44:23.027-08:00Chris...okay I believe you. I just get the sense ...Chris...okay I believe you. I just get the sense that the most ardent defenders of reading classics feel that people who don't love them haven't tried to love them enough.<br /><br />Tracie...yes I believe in teaching shared texts (classics) in school. I do think that with kids there are other things going on to do with reading ability. I was reading YA when I was 8 so it can't be a blanket rule that kids will always take the easier way.Amy @ My Friend Amyhttp://www.myfriendamysblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-72927706185617967162009-11-23T08:38:42.541-08:002009-11-23T08:38:42.541-08:00I kind of think it depends on where you are coming...I kind of think it depends on where you are coming from in order to form an opinion. <br /><br />For example, my boys in 6th grade wanted to read nothing but picture books. They were technically "reading" but I knew they could do better. So, well, I made them do better and said that they had to read novels (no pictures).<br /><br />I think that many youth will read what's easier when given the chance, but if prompted will read heavier material (classics being an example). I think it's really about what we expect from them.<br /><br />My opinion for adults is different. Read whatever you want, I just hope that someone along the line helped you push yourself into reading heavier material.Tracie Yulehttp://www.yuletimereading.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-70499137391525260132009-11-23T05:38:44.491-08:002009-11-23T05:38:44.491-08:00No Amy I don't assume that. But I do think peo...No Amy I don't assume that. But I do think people make assumations about classics. They are not all the same. There's a pretty wide variety. That books you like you don't know whether it's a classic or not, probably is.Chrisbookaramahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11972547663609480210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-26596080308664789082009-11-22T22:46:10.590-08:002009-11-22T22:46:10.590-08:00debnance...I like it when people read the books I ...debnance...I like it when people read the books I love, too. But no it doesn't always happen. :)<br /><br />heidenkind...I think you're fabulous have I ever said that? :) and I may just ask some strangers after all. <br /><br />Debi--I knew you were cool! ;)<br /><br />Florinda...I agree there are objective terms in which craft can be discussed but there's a chemistry to book and reader that just can't be broken down into measurable terms. Therefore different books have different value to different people. ;)<br /><br />Swapna...I also feel sad when people write off entire segments of books (Christian fiction being one that I am vocal about, YA being another) but that doesn't mean that they aren't finding value in what they read. Also, I think different things challenge us. The reader that enters every book with an open mind and the desire to learn may find themselves challenged unexpectedly.<br /><br />Natasah...I agree. Not to mention that reading level can't even be agreed upon, and several books cross multiple reading levels. Reading level does not equal value to me. And I think you're right that several books that have endured could be reclassified into genres today.<br /><br />Thanks Vasilly!<br /><br />Thanks Cara! I think it's great if you want to stretch yourself personally as well and you're right, challenges are perfect for that and there are a lot of challenges focused on classics!<br /><br />Thanks Carrie!Amy @ My Friend Amyhttp://www.myfriendamysblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-38732622815694443612009-11-22T18:29:07.523-08:002009-11-22T18:29:07.523-08:00Very well said, Amy. :)Very well said, Amy. :)Carrie K.http://booksandmovies.colvilleblogger.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-18314144709359001752009-11-22T18:15:45.180-08:002009-11-22T18:15:45.180-08:00Beautiful post, Amy. I believe that there is a rig...Beautiful post, Amy. I believe that there is a right time for any given book. Sometimes you pick one up and it's just not the time to read it. Then you can pick up the same book a couple weeks later and become completely engrossed. (Boneshaker this last month for me.) Sometimes you need something purely escapist because you're stressed out. Sometimes you want something challenging. Personally, I find good science fiction to be far more challenging than what we call "literary" fiction. Sure, the language and sentence structures in "literary" fiction tend to be more complex, but science fiction presents the most challenging ideas. The best science fiction makes us examine ourselves and our society. I guess that's my genre rant for today. What I'm saying is that none of us should be snobby about what we read. Sometimes we want to stretch ourselves and challenges are great for that. Sometimes we want literary comfort food. That's ok, too. Like I say on my introductory post, "I think every book is worth reading if it meets your needs at the time." Sorry, for the ramble.Cara Powershttp://oohbooks.blogspot.com/2009/06/welcome.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-13165518518053342142009-11-22T18:09:13.717-08:002009-11-22T18:09:13.717-08:00I just love this post, Amy! You did great.I just love this post, Amy! You did great.Vasillyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08463689838763126048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-26283647008308486942009-11-22T18:08:20.722-08:002009-11-22T18:08:20.722-08:00I totally missed Jessica's post, so I had no i...I totally missed Jessica's post, so I had no idea that this is what sparked all the conversation this week. <br /><br />No two books were created equal to begin with so to try to compare one genre, reading level, or book as not being equal to another is just hogwash. I think that there is room for all books and even if a book has no merit to one doesn't mean that it will hold merit with aonther. I like the idea of reading outside of our comfort zones and trying things that are new. But to immediatly decrease the merit of a book just because it's YA instead of a "classic" (which I'm sure that many classics could be reclassified as YA in today's standards) doesn't ring true to me. <br /><br />Great post Amy!Natasha @ Maw Bookshttp://blog.mawbooks.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-11496203711963190462009-11-22T17:57:51.175-08:002009-11-22T17:57:51.175-08:00This is a great post, Amy. I think it's all ab...This is a great post, Amy. I think it's all about your personal reading goals and reading whatever resonates with you regardless of genre. I love it when people are reading, but it makes me sad when people write off an entire genre ("I don't like literary fiction." "YA should only be read by teens" etc.) without even being willing to give it a try. I totally agree that we should read books that challenge us, which is why I'm a huge fan of literary-type books.S. Krishnahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10268527069548216054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-46211589090313160172009-11-22T15:28:45.356-08:002009-11-22T15:28:45.356-08:00I'm glad you revisited this. I agree that SOME...I'm glad you revisited this. I agree that SOME reading is better than none, and that whatever one chooses to read, one should approach it as you describe here. What resonates with one person may leave another cold - taste is definitely a subjective thing.<br /><br />At the same time, I do think "literary merit" is a more objective thing; maybe not easily quantified, but based on elements like quality of writing, complexity of themes and characters, and how it challenges the reader's thinking. Literary reading certainly has its place, but a balanced reading diet should include lighter fare too - and without guilt!Florindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09789402061034734894noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-10327419679690476402009-11-22T15:15:20.302-08:002009-11-22T15:15:20.302-08:00Oh Amy, I loved this post!!! Probably because I pr...Oh Amy, I loved this post!!! Probably because I pretty much agree with 100%. :)Debihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15429881953804634592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-33324831686043546692009-11-22T13:28:04.204-08:002009-11-22T13:28:04.204-08:00I love this post, Amy, and I couldn't agree wi...I love this post, Amy, and I couldn't agree with you more. I think that reading is such a personal experience, telling people what they should and shouldn't read can be pretty insulting sometimes (depending on the circumstances, of course). I'm always open to suggestions, but I read what I want to when I want to. Period. I also like your point that a book is really what you bring to it, so this idea that some books are better than others--yes, that is true, but not every type of book is better or worse to the same people.<br /><br />PS~I think you should pose this question to random strangers and see what they say. :DHeidenkindhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09494625457587427781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-84837724829450909852009-11-22T11:39:38.674-08:002009-11-22T11:39:38.674-08:00Good for you. I agree totally. Of course, I love i...Good for you. I agree totally. Of course, I love it when people try the tough read, but, if it doesn't happen, oh well. Read what you like, folks. We are grownups.Deb Nance at Readerbuzzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12128529491888701996noreply@blogger.com